Bali: Quad Bike, Gorilla Cave, Monkey Forest & Waterfall Day

4.94

(145 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

Helmet on, engine rumbling under me — we were already bouncing down muddy tracks before I had time to overthink it. Our guide Wayan grinned back from his own quad, waving us on as we splashed through puddles that smelled like wet earth and something almost sweet. Rice paddies flashed by in green stripes. I tried not to think about how ridiculous I probably looked, but honestly? Didn’t care. The Gorilla Cave loomed up ahead — darker than I expected inside, cool air brushing my arms — and then suddenly light again as we burst out into a patch of bamboo that rattled in the wind.

Lunch was at Abiansila after the ride (I was way muddier than anyone else at the table). The food was simple—spicy chicken and rice—but tasted so good after all that adrenaline. There’s a pool bar there too; some people jumped straight in but I just sat for a while with my feet dangling in the water, still buzzing. Later our driver took us to Tegenungan Waterfall. The sound is huge when you get close—like standing next to a train—and the spray sticks to your skin even if you’re not swimming. It’s busy but somehow peaceful too; maybe it’s just the way everyone goes quiet for a second watching the water.

Last stop was Ubud Monkey Forest. The macaques are everywhere—climbing statues, stealing fruit from people’s bags (watch out). One of them stared right at me while chewing a leaf and for some reason it made me laugh out loud. Wayan told us about the temples hidden among the trees; he knows every shortcut through those paths. I didn’t expect to feel so much energy from a day trip around Bali—quad bike mud still under my nails when we got dropped back at our hotel—but I kind of hope some of it stays with me.